Chain adjustment

Anyone have any tips on adjusting the chain. It seems that the adjustment plates have loads of play and on the spindle and trying to get both sides the same is a nightmare. I have adjusted the chain to 20 mm of movement up and down. Feels tighter and a bit noisier when I turn the wheel.....however my service manual says that the adjustment should be between 20-30mm. Any suggestions?

[Biker Biggles]

Avoid overtightening the chain.When the suspension compresses the chain will tighten up so you need the free play,There needs to be that amount of play at the tightest point as well.
Too little play puts big stresses on the gearbox sprocket bearings and could snap the chain.Not good.

And the figures are normaly quoted when you are on the bike..so get someone to sit on it while you check

[embee]

Agree. Much better to be on the slack side than too tight.

I reckon 30mm is the absolute minimum slack you need.

Try getting someone to sit on the bike and see how much tighter it gets.

Should be 20 to 30 mm at the tightest point, with the weight on the wheel. It will vary as the wheel rotates. I would wind the adjusters in so that there is loads of chain slack, push the wheel fully forward and then pull the wheel back on the adjusters, half a turn on each adjuster at a time making sure the marks either side stay aligned with each other. Half a turn on the adjuster doesn't sound much but makes a big difference to the chain tension. I'm assuming the chain and sprockets are in good condition and well lubed before you start.

Thanks guys. Yes the chain has a good coating of wurth chain wax. I will slaken it off in the morning. Sounds like it is on the min limit. It did run smoother when it had 30mm plus play.

Originally Posted by streetos

Should be 20 to 30 mm at the tightest point

This really can't be over-stated enough. Slowly spin the wheel round until you find the tightest part of the chain, then adjust it.


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Thanks to you all for your advice. I, too have just checked chain tension, after buying the bike last week, and feel that the 20mm (though in spec) is too tight, as the front sprocket 'clucks' a bit when I push the bike about.

I didn't know that you have to sit on the bike to check the tension - that might explain everything.
I guess you must have a paddock stand Jonboy . . . . I don't, but I'm seriouly thinking of buying a centre stand.

Originally Posted by MartinM

I didn't know that you have to sit on the bike to check the tension

You don't, it's just the perfect ideal. I've found that having someone sit on the bike makes very little difference to the chain tension. Just make sure you've got a good 30mm at the tightest spot and that should be fine.

I guess you must have a paddock stand Jonboy . . . . I don't, but I'm seriouly thinking of buying a centre stand.

Yes I have and it makes the job easier but again it's not necessary, the chain can be adjusted pretty well without one. Though I'd certainly advise getting one as they make doing a whole host of jobs that much easier.


(Pleasae note that the information in this post is B.A.S.A.T. approved)


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Originally Posted by jonboy

(Pleasae note that the information in this post is B.A.S.A.T. approved)

Good, coz he's monitoring every post, as you know.